Sunshine Week isn't just for the media

Welcome to Sunshine Week - a time created to draw public attention to the issue of freedom of information. The first Sunshine Sunday was declared in Florida in 2002, when newspapers across that state agreed to publish editorials and articles on government openness on the same day. It was the Sunday before James Madison's birthday.

Although newspapers and other forms of media use the state's open meetings and public records laws regularly to keep government accountable, it's important to note those laws aren't in place just for the media. Those laws exist for everyone's use.

Although the media most often uses the laws to obtain information, anyone can request a document (or number of documents) and receive them, unless they are exempt under public records law. And, if you are denied access, the entity must tell you under what exemption you are being denied.

In Ohio, if you fight and win a lawsuit in regard to denied records, you can have your attorney fees paid for by the offending agency.

Although most people don't have the time to get the records, or the knowledge to understand what they can get, journalists consider it the driving force of their profession. They do the digging and provide the information. In fact, our reporters and editors were hard at work, even this week, filing requests for public records.

Here are some local and state Sunshine highlights for 2012:

? Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine began a new open records mediation process, which will help resolve disputes without having to hire a lawyer and go to court. It's a good start to keep the governmental process accountable for the decisions made concerning public records.

? We reviewed personnel files of public employees to find details of their work conduct and, in some cases, why they were fired from their jobs.

? We gathered information to let you know how long it takes for emergency crews to reach your home in case of a fire or medical call.

Although those are a few of the many ways public records were supported and defended in the past year, the fight really never ends. On a regular basis, residents are given incorrect information on accessing public records. Some officials really think the tired excuse that backroom deals and closed meeting rooms are better for the public.

Again, these are not merely provisions for journalists. These laws are created with you in mind.

These all are ways open government laws enable the public to track the actions and decisions of its lawmakers.

Freedom of information and open meetings bring the light of day to the residents and help them make informed decisions. Everyone has a right to know what goes on in government - whether it's in Washington, D.C., Columbus, Ross County or your local township or school district.

It's our hope that more people educate themselves on the laws and exercise their right to know in 2013. It's the engine of accountability that keeps our leaders working for us all.

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Sunshine Week isn't just for the media

Welcome to Sunshine Week ? a time created to draw public attention to the issue of freedom of information.